About this trip

This spotlight on America's Sunshine State features Florida's top attractions: the hotspots of Miami and Key West, natural spectacle of the Everglades and historic Kennedy Space Center.

You'll enjoy Insider moments like... journeying through the streets of Little Havannah with a Local Specialist to explore hidden sites most tourists miss. Smell the earthy aroma of tobacco wafting out from cigar shops and sip coffee unique to the Cuban exiles who call this place home.

Welcome to the Sunshine State. Relax or explore your resort with its breathtakingly beautiful tropical gardens and signature atriums that recreate three Florida environments from the gently rising mists of the Everglades, the funky and vibrant island revelry of Key West, and the Spanish-infused, old-world charm of St. Augustine. At 6 p.m. join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Travel north to St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. An orientation tour introduces you to its charming cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Climb aboard the Old Town Trolley to hear tales and interesting trivia from conductors, as they bring 500 years of American history to life. Experience early St. Augustine as you visit Old St. Augustine Village, featuring houses from the 18th and 19th centuries and the oldest wooden school in the Americas. Arrive at your beachfront hotel on beautiful Cocoa Beach.

Explore the Kennedy Space Center on a NASA coach for a panoramic view of space shuttle launch pads at the LC-39 Observation Gantry. Then experience the historic Apollo 8 launch and marvel at a massive 364 foot (110 metres) Saturn V moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. At the IMAX theatre, the dream of spaceflight comes alive with a wall of sound, a five-story screen and realistic 3D special effects featuring dramatic footage shot by NASA astronauts during actual missions-you will feel like you're floating alongside them. End your space journey at lunch where you are joined by a veteran astronaut and Local Specialist from NASA's famous Astronaut Corps. This afternoon, continue to West Palm Beach.

Head south this morning along the fabled "Road to Paradise"-the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. With the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right, the highway winds through vistas of natural beauty and areas rich in history, legends and stunning views. Stop at the Dolphin Research Center to visit dolphins and sea lions before arriving in Key West. Discover Key West Historic District's many points of interest including world famous Duval Street, the Key West Bight, West Martello Fort, and much more. In the evening, learn about the history and sample some of the Keys' favourite dessert, Key Lime Pie, a Cultural Insight.

Hotel

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key

Meals

Full Breakfast

Hotel

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Grand Key

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 4

Day 5

Key West Sightseeing and Free TimeDay 5 - Key West Sightseeing and Free Time

This morning, with your choice sightseeing, pick between visiting the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy or a tour of reclusive author Ernest Hemingway's home and museum. The rest of the day is free to pursue your own interests. Key West is known for its amazing variety of aquatic and land-based activities. Not sure what kind of activities you want to do? Not a problem–your Travel Director is happy to help. Tonight, join the Sunset Celebration festivities in Mallory Square at the historic Key West waterfront and see the sun slowly descend into the Gulf of Mexico.

Meals

Full Breakfast

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 5

Day 6

Key West – Miami (2 Nights)Day 6 - Key West – Miami (2 Nights)

It's on up to Miami today where, upon arrival, you'll enjoy a walking tour of the historic Art Deco District with a Local Specialist. Discover the architectural crown jewels of South Beach's one-square-mile of traditional Art Deco in the first 20th century neighbourhood to be recognised by the National Register of Historic Places. You'll also view the area's most infamous residence, Casa Casuarina, once the home of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore.

Hotel

Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove

Meals

Full Breakfast

Hotel

Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 6

Day 7

Miami Free Time and SightseeingDay 7 - Miami Free Time and Sightseeing

Enjoy today on your own in vibrant Miami. This evening, meet in Little Havana for a walking tour with a Local Specialist. The Cuban owner of a popular Little Havana restaurant welcomes you tonight for a Be My Guest dinner. Indulge in a glass of sangria while the host enlightens you on the influences Cuban cuisine has on Little Havana. After appetisers, sit down for a dinner featuring classic Cuban dishes, followed by a cup of café con leche and homemade Cuban dessert.

Bid farewell to Miami before embarking on a thrilling airboat experience through the Everglades. It's an exciting ride through the saw grass prairies and mangrove wilderness. If you're lucky, you may get up-close with alligators, native wildlife and a variety of birds, such as the blue heron, American egret, bald eagle and osprey. Arrive in Naples this afternoon and explore the quaint city. Then it's on to Fort Myers for the evening.

Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates today, a historical museum and 17 acre (6 ha) botanical garden near the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in southwestern Florida. The present site dates from 1885 when Edison first visited Florida and purchased the property to build a holiday home. His home served as a winter retreat and place of relaxation until his death in 1931. His wife, Mina, deeded the property to Fort Myers 16 years later, in memory of her husband, and the site was opened to the public for all to enjoy. Today, the estates and grounds are a non-profit corporation whose mission is to protect, preserve and interpret the site for future growth and development. Edison's beautiful botanical garden contains more than a thousand varieties of plants from around the world, including African sausage trees and a 400 foot (120 metre) banyan tree given by Harvey Firestone in 1925. It was originally an experimental garden for industrial products, but Mrs. Edison enhanced it with plantings of roses, orchids and bromeliads. In the evening, enjoy a your choice dining experience.

Meals

Full Breakfast

Your Choice

Meals

Full Breakfast

Your Choice

Day 9

Day 10

Fort Myers – TampaDay 10 - Fort Myers – Tampa

This morning, tour the dazzling palatial mansion, Ca' d'Zan, of John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame). With a guide, discover this tribute to the American Dream reflecting the splendour and romance of Venice, Italy. Afterward, visit the Circus Museum celebrating the American circus, its history, and unique relationship to Sarasota. A Farewell Dinner is served tonight-the perfect ending to your Florida holiday.

Hotel

Renaissance Tampa

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Hotel

Renaissance Tampa

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 10

Day 11

Tampa – Depart OrlandoDay 11 - Tampa – Depart Orlando

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. From a variety of observation platforms, you may get a chance to view manatees gathering in the clean, warm water when the temperature of Tampa Bay is warm enough (This is a seasonal visit, generally November 1st through April 15th). Then it's time to bid farewell to the Sunshine State. Your Florida trail ends at Orlando International Airport or the Gaylord Palms Resort for those wishing to extend their stay in Orlando to visit one of the many amusement parks such as Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.

Meals

Full Breakfast

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 11

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/can/tours/floridas-sunshine-trail for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Difference

Be My Guest
Dine at a Miami restaurant for a taste of Little Havana during an exciting evening of Cuban hospitality, music and dance.

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

Simply Authentic

Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.

Guest Reviews and Ratings

I have to give an excellent review for our tour guide. Michelle Murphy was very upbeat and peppy. She worked extremely hard during the tour. She helped us recover a pair of lost glasses from one of the dinner stops for which we were very appreciative.

Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine with a more in-depth guided holiday.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.